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0250 The Pulse of Asia : vol.1
The Pulse of Asia : vol.1 / Page 250 (Grayscale High Resolution Image)

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doi: 10.20676/00000233
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CHAPTER IX

KERIYA AND NIYA

Keriya, the Pein of Marco Polo and Pimo of Hwen
Tsiang,ยน is a pleasant district, with a population of about
fifteen thousand souls. I was much disappointed on reach-
ing there to find that my men had not been able to buy any
camels or make any other preparations. The natives were
full of promises and pleasant words, but that was all. The
camel-owners, so it appeared, had formed an "agreement
in restraint of trade," and would offer nothing but the poor-
est animals at the highest prices. I sent for the chief Beg
and asked his assistance, which he promised most readily,
but the next day nothing had been done. I sent for him
again.

"Did you promise to see that some camels were brought
here to-day, and that the merchants who promised goods
to us brought them at once?" I asked.

"Yes," he answered, "but every one was busy this morn-
ing."

"Did you make those same promises to my men two
weeks ago, ten days ago, five days ago, and three days ago?"

"Yes, but there was much to do. We are busy. Do not
be angry. I will do all that you wish to-morrow."

"Very well; do you promise to do it all to-morrow?"

"Yes, I promise."

"All right. A man who does not keep his promises is a